Ozone generator

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for producing ozone from oxygen comprises a high voltage electrode connectable to a current source; a ground electrode spaced from the high voltage electrode and having an upstream end and a downstream end; a dielectric element positioned between the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode; a path for air flow positioned between the dielectric element and the ground electrode; and, a current collector positioned downstream of the high voltage electrode and comprising an extension of the ground electrode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to an apparatus for producing ozone from agas mixture comprising or containing oxygen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ozone generators are known which employ corona discharge to produceozone from oxygen by action of oxygen atoms on oxygen molecules. Thegenerators typically employ voltages in excess of 20,0000 volts andfrequencies of 50 to 5,000 Hz. The high voltage transformers and thegeneral geometry of the generators is large and they are difficult toconstruct and maintain. Accordingly, such ozone generators are typicallyassembled by hand thereby causing them to be expensive and difficult toproduce in large quantities.

Overall, such generators are not adaptable for the manufacture on a highthroughput basis which would be required for use of the ozone generatorin an electrical apparatus for retail consumer sale. Further, such ozonegenerators are not suitable for inclusion in consumer appliances due totheir large size and geometry.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatusfor producing ozone from oxygen comprising a high voltage electrodeconnectable to a current source, a ground electrode spaced from the highvoltage electrode and having an upstream end and a downstream end, adielectric element positioned between the high voltage electrode and theground electrode and defining a path for air flow between the dielectricelement and the ground electrode; and, a current collector positioneddownstream of the high voltage electrode and comprising an extension ofthe ground electrode.

In one embodiment, the current collector is integrally formed as part ofthe ground electrode. Preferably, the portion of the ground electrodethat extends downstream beyond the high voltage electrode is at leastten times the transverse width of the air flow path downstream of thehigh voltage electrode.

In another embodiment, the dielectric element substantially encases thehigh voltage electrode. The dielectric element may encase all but theupstream end of the high voltage electrode. Preferably, the dielectricelement is positioned adjacent the high voltage electrode to define adead air space therebetween.

In a further embodiment, the ground electrode surrounds the dielectricelement, the high voltage electrode is positioned in the dielectricelement and positioning members are provided to maintain the highvoltage electrode substantially centrally positioned within the groundelectrode.

In another embodiment, the ozone generator further comprises an upstreamend member and a downstream end member. The ground electrode extendsbetween the end members and surrounds the dielectric element. The highvoltage electrode is positioned in the dielectric element andpositioning members associated with at least one of the end members areprovided to maintain the high voltage electrode substantially centrallypositioned within the ground electrode. Preferably, one of thepositioning members is provided adjacent the end of the high voltageelectrode and the beginning of the current collector. In anotherembodiment, the upstream end member has an air inlet and the downstreamend member has an air outlet, and an air flow path extends from the airinlet, through the path between the ground electrode and the dielectricelement, through the current collector and through the air outlet. Thepositioning members may engage only a portion of the dielectric elementto define a space between the positioning members and the dielectricelement for air flow therethrough.

In another embodiment, the ozone generator further comprises anelectrically conductive engagement member connectable to a currentsource. The high voltage electrode has a tail portion extendingoutwardly from the dielectric element and engageable with theelectrically conductive engagement member. The high voltage electrode isconnectable to the current source via the engagement of the electricallyconductive engagement member and the tail portion, whereby theengagement of the electrically conductive engagement member and the tailportion maintains the high voltage electrode in the dielectric element.The upstream end member may have an air inlet and the electricallyconductive engagement member may be positioned in the air inlet todefine a electrically conductive gas conduit.

In another embodiment, an outer member is spaced from the dielectricelement to define a fluid flow path between the outer member and thedielectric element through which a cooling fluid may flow. Preferably,the outer member comprises a second dielectric element.

In another embodiment, the ozone generator further comprises anelectrically conductive engagement member connectable to a currentsource and a heat sink associated with the electrically conductiveengagement member. The high voltage electrode is thermally andelectrically connected to the electrically conductive engagement member.

The current source may be selected from a source for producing analternating current, a source for producing a direct current and asource for producing a pulsed direct current.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the instant invention,there is provided an apparatus for producing ozone from oxygencomprising a high voltage electrode connectable to a current source, aground electrode spaced from the high voltage electrode and having anupstream end and a downstream end, a dielectric element positionedbetween the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode and spacedfrom the ground electrode to define an air flow path between thedielectric element and the ground electrode; and, an upstream end memberhaving an air inlet, positioning members extending between the upstreamend member and the dielectric element to position the upstream end ofthe dielectric element spaced from the ground electrode, and openingsextending from the air inlet to the air flow path.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the instant invention,there is provided an apparatus for producing ozone from oxygencomprising a dielectric element having an opening, a high voltageelectrode, at least a portion of the high voltage electrode positionedin the opening of the dielectric element, the high voltage electrodehaving a first engagement member, a ground electrode spaced from thedielectric element and having an upstream end and a downstream end, anpath for air flow extending between the dielectric element and theground electrode; and, an upstream end member having a second engagementmember, the engagement of the first and second members maintaining thehigh voltage electrode in position relative to the dielectric element.

The ozone generator may further comprise an electrically conductivemember connectable to a current source. The upstream end member may havea recess therein for receiving the electrically conductive member withthe first engagement member electrically connecting the high voltageelectrode to the electrically conductive member when the first andsecond members are engaged. Preferably, the electrically conductivemember comprises the second engagement member and the recess extendsthrough the upstream end member and is sized for allowing passage of thehigh voltage electrode therethrough. In this embodiment, the ozonegenerator may further comprise a downstream end member having an airoutlet and the recess may comprise an air inlet. An air flow path maythus extend from the air inlet, through the path between the groundelectrode and the dielectric element and through the air outlet.

An advantage of the instant invention is that it produces an ozonegenerator which has a size sufficiently compact so as to be incorporatedinto various consumer sized electrical appliances such as vacuumcleaners, water filters, air filters and the like. It is known thatozone is an effective disinfectant. However, prior art ozone generatorshave been too cumbersome and too difficult to manufacture for inclusionin consumer appliances. By using an ozone generator according to theinstant invention, an ozone generator may be included in consumerappliances in any situation where it may be desirable to disinfect afluid stream.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the instant invention will be more fullyand particularly understood in connection with the following descriptionof the preferred embodiments of this invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a longitudinal cross-sectionthrough an ozone generator according to the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-section of the electrodes and theend members of the ozone generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a first alternate embodiment of the ozone generator of FIG. 1showing an alternate electrical connecting member for the high voltageelectrode;

FIG. 4 is a second alternate embodiment of the ozone generator showing afirst method of cooling one of the electrodes;

FIG. 5 is a third alternate embodiment of the ozone generator showing asecond method of cooling one of the electrodes;

FIG. 6 is a fourth alternate embodiment of the ozone generator showing athird method of cooling one of the electrodes; and,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ozone generator of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, ozone generator 10 comprises a ground electrode 12,a high voltage electrode 14 and a dielectric element 16.

While it is appreciated that the drawings are not to scale, ozonegenerator 10 as shown in the preferred embodiment is sized to besufficiently small to fit in a variety of standard consumer electricalappliances including, without limiting the uses of ozone generator 10,vacuum cleaners, water filters and/or purifiers, air filters and/orpurifiers, medical disinfection, and waste water disinfection.Accordingly, ozone generator 10 may weigh from about 0.25 lbs to about10 lbs. Despite its limited size, such an ozone generator is capable ofproducing, for example, from about 0.4 to about 10 g ozone per hour.Such amounts may be used to provide effective disinfectant for variousfluid flow streams.

Dielectric element 16 is positioned between high voltage electrode 14and ground electrode 12 to define a path for air flow 18 betweendielectric element 16 and ground electrode 12.

The high voltage electrode and the ground electrode may be any electrodewhich are known in the art. For example, the electrodes may be made fromany materials known in the art and, preferably, are made from stainlesssteel. The dielectric element may be any dielectric which is known inthe art and preferably is a mullite dielectric element.

Path 18 has a transverse width A which is of a size, given theefficiency of ozone generator 10, sufficient to produce the desiredamount of ozone. The voltage which is applied to high voltage electrodewill vary depending, inter alia, upon the size of transverse width A toprovide sufficient current to convert the oxygen to ozone. Preferably,transverse width A may vary from about 0.005 inches to about 0.75 inchesand, more preferably, from about 0.025 inches to about 0.075 inches.Preferably, transverse width A is substantially constant from upstreamend 20 of high voltage electrode 14 to downstream end 22 of high voltageelectrode 14.

High voltage electrode 14 and ground electrode 12 may be of anyparticular configuration. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 7, groundelectrode 12 substantially surrounds and, most preferably, completelysurrounds high voltage electrode 14. Accordingly, in this preferredembodiment, ground electrode 12 may be in the shape of a longitudinallyextending cylinder having a longitudinally extending axis a--a with highvoltage electrode 14 positioned therewithin. Preferably, high voltageelectrode 14 is centrally located along longitudinally extending axisa--a of ground electrode 12.

Dielectric element 16 is positioned along the surface of high voltageelectrode 14 facing ground electrode 12. Dielectric element 16preferably substantially surrounds and, most preferably, completelysurrounds high voltage electrode 14. If ground electrode 12 iscylindrical in shape, then dielectric element 16 will preferably becylindrical in shape to surround all faces high voltage electrode 14facing ground electrode 12. Thus, dielectric element 16 substantiallyencases high voltage electrode 14. Preferably, dielectric element 16also has an end 24 to surround downstream end 22 of high voltageelectrode 16 as is shown in FIG. 1. Thus, dielectric element 16 encasesall but upstream end 20 of high voltage electrode 16.

Dielectric element 16 is preferably positioned to create a dead airspace between high voltage electrode 14 and dielectric element 16. Inorder to create a dead air space between dielectric element 16 and highvoltage electrode 14, dielectric element 16 may be positioned adjacentto high voltage electrode 14. If ground electrode 12 and high voltageelectrode 14 are cylindrical in shape, then dielectric element 16 may beformed as a tubular member with a longitudinally extending openingprovided therein for receiving high voltage electrode 14. The innersurface of the opening in dielectric element 16 is preferably slightlylarger than the outer diameter of high voltage electrode 14 so as toallow high voltage electrode 14 to be easily insertable into dielectricelement 16. Dielectric element 16 may be provided with an end 24 so asto provide a surface against which downstream end 22 of high voltageelectrode 14 may abut when high voltage electrode 14 is fully insertedtherein.

End caps 30 and 32 may be connected to ground electrode 12 in a varietyof manners. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, each end cap 30, 32 isprovided with an annular recess 36 which is sized so as to receive andhave seated therein an end of ground electrode 12. Recesses 36 may besized so as to be slightly smaller than the wall thickness of groundelectrode 12 so as to retainingly receive therein ground electrode 12.Alternately, other means of securing ground electrode 12 in recess 36may be used such as an adhesive or other bonding method as well asvarious mechanical means.

Ozone generator 10 also includes means for positioning high voltageelectrode 14 relative to ground electrode 12. Various means known in theart may be used. In the preferred embodiment, ozone generator 10 isprovided with downstream end cap 30 and upstream end cap 32. Each endcap 30, 32 is configured so as to be connectable to ground electrode 12and define air flow path 18 therethrough. Accordingly, end caps 30 and32 preferably seal the upstream and the downstream ends of air flow path18 and are provided with openings therethrough to provide an air entryinto air flow path 18 and an air exit from air flow path 18.

In particular, each end cap 30, 32 may be provided with an opening 34extending therethrough. In the case of upstream end cap 32, opening 34defines an air inlet through which air may pass so to enter air flowpath 18. With respect to end cap 30, opening 34 defines an air exitthrough which the air passes as it exits air flow path 18. Preferably,openings 34 are centrally positioned with end caps 30, 32. However, itwill be appreciated that one or more openings 34 may be provided at anydesired location in each end cap 30 and 32 provided they provide asufficiently large air flow passage way to air flow path 18.

Position members are provided so as to locate high voltage electrode 14at a defined distance from ground electrode 12. End caps 30 and 32 mayhave position members associated therewith to position upstream end 20and downstream end 22 of high voltage electrode 14. Referring to FIG. 1,end cap 30 may have arm members 38 extending longitudinally inwardlytherefrom. Radially inwardly extending arm members 40 are positioned atthe distal end of arm members 38 from end cap 30. Radially inwardlyextending arm members 40 secure the downstream end 22 of high voltageelectrode 14 within ground electrode 12. Preferably, arms 40 engaged end24 of dielectric element 16.

Arm members 40 may comprise a number of distinct, spaced apart thinmembers spaced around end 24 so as to define an air flow paththerebetween. Alternately, arm members 40 may be a single circularmember which contacts the entire perimeter of end 24 or contacts asubstantial portion of the perimeter of end 24. In order to allow air topass downstream from high voltage electrode 14, one or more openings 54may be provided in arm member 40 to allow air flow therethrough (seeFIG. 3). Alternately, inner surface 42 of arm members 40 may have ascrew thread provided thereon so as to define a helical path throughwhich air may flow between arm members 40 and dielectric element 16.

Similarly, upstream end cap 32 is also preferably provided withpositioning members so as to fix upstream end 20 of high voltageelectrode 14 in position with respect to ground electrode 12. Referringto FIG. 1, upstream end cap 32 may be provided with radially inwardlyextending arm members 44 which contact the upstream end of dielectricelement 16. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface ofopening 34 may be provided with a helically extending thread 46 whichextends inwardly from at least a portion of inner surface 35 of opening34 to a position where it will engage the outer surface of dielectricelement 16, thus defining a helical air flow path between end cap 32 anddielectric element 16 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 5, end cap 32 may alternately be provided with one or more openings48 extending from opening 34 to air flow path 18.

High voltage electrode 14 is connected to a current source 50, which maybe a transformer or other device as known in the art. Current source 50may operate at from about 3 to about 25 Kv, more preferably from about 3to about 6 Kv and, most preferably, from about 4 to about 5 Kv. Further,current source 50 may be operated at a frequency from about 50 Hz toabout 100 Khz and, more preferably, from about 10 Khz to about 20 Khz.As the frequency of current source 50 is decreased, the ozone output perunit area of the ozone generator decreases. Conversely, as the frequencyof current source 50 increases, excessive heating can occur and thisresults in a consequential decrease in the conversion of oxygen toozone. Accordingly, it is most preferred that current source 50 operatesfrom about 12 Khz to about 20 Khz.

Current flows from current source 50 through electrical conduit 52 tohigh voltage electrode 14. The current source is selected from a sourcefor producing an alternating current, a source for producing a directcurrent and a source for producing a pulsed direct current. Morepreferably, the current source is either a source for producing analternating current or a source for producing a pulsed direct current.When ozone is required, a fluid containing oxygen, preferably a gas and,more preferably air, is passed through opening 34 in end cap 32, intoair flow path 18. The corona discharge between high voltage electrode 14and ground electrode 12 produces ozone. The ozone enriched fluid travelsalong air flow path 18 and subsequently through opening 34 in downstreamend cap 30.

The corona discharge in air flow path 18 produces an excess of ionizedgas. In order to prevent stray electrical currents, a current collectoris preferably positioned downstream of high voltage electrode 14. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the instant invention, currentcollector 60 is positioned downstream of high voltage electrode 14 andupstream of end cap 30. Current collector 60 may comprise an extensionof air flow path 18. Preferably, ground electrode 12 extends past highvoltage electrode 14 so as to run parallel with current collector 60.Accordingly, the current collector is formed as an integral part ofground electrode 12. More preferably, the portion of ground electrode 12which extends downstream beyond high voltage electrode 14 is at least 10times transverse width A of air flow path 18 and more preferably, theratio is at least 15 to 1. Radially inwardly extending arm members 40are preferably positioned adjacent downstream end 22 of high voltageelectrode 14 so as to define the beginning of current collector 60. Inthis embodiment, the air passes from air flow path 18, through currentcollector 60 and then through opening 34 to exit ozone generator 10.

High voltage electrode 14 is connectable to current source 50. As shownin FIG. 1, ozone generator 10 may also be provided with one or moreelectrically conductive members 62. Electrical conduit 64 extends fromupstream end 20 of high voltage electrode 14 to electrically conductivemember 62. Accordingly, when the ozone generator is actuated, currentflows from current source 50, through electrical conduit 52, throughelectrically conductive member 62, and through electrical conduit 64 tohigh voltage electrode 14.

Electrically conductive member 62 may comprise a cylindrical memberwhich is mounted to or affixed to inner surface 35 of opening 34 thusdefining an electrically conductive gas conduit in advance of air flowpath 18. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of distinctelectrically conductive member 62 may be provided.

One advantage of this construction in the simplified assembly of theozone generator. For example, ground electrode 12 may be connected toend caps 30 and 32 so as to define a longitudinally extending structure.High voltage electrode may be connected to electrically conductivemembers 62 by any means known in the art. Dielectric member may bemounted in ozone generator 10 and, subsequently, high voltage electrode14 together with electrically conductive member 62 may be inserted intothe position shown in FIG. 1 thus securing high voltage electrode 14 inthe pre-selected position within ground electrode 12. Alternately, highvoltage electrode 14 may be inserted into dielectric element 16subsequent to which dielectric element 16 and high voltage electrode 14,together with electrically conductive member 62, may be simultaneouslypositioned in ozone generator 10. Subsequent to mounting electricallyconductive member 62 in opening 34, the electrical connection of highvoltage electrode 14 to current source 50 may be completed by connectingelectrical conduit 52 to electrically conductive member 62.

In a more preferred embodiment, the high voltage electrode has a firstengagement member 66 connected thereto and upstream end cap 32 has asecond engagement member 68 associated therewith. First and secondengagement members are co-operatively designed so as to engage andretain high voltage electrode 14 in position in ozone generator 10. Morepreferably, first engagement member 66 is an electrically conductivemember so that it functions to both maintain high voltage electrode 14in position in ozone generator 10 and, at the same time, electricallyconnects high voltage electrode 14 to current source 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, first engagement member 66 comprisesa tail portion which extends upstream from upstream end 20 of highvoltage electrode 14. The tail portion has a resiliently high portion 72and a hook portion 70. First engagement member 66 is preferably made ofan electrically conductive member so as to electrically connect highvoltage electrode 14 to current source 50. Second engagement member 68may comprise the downstream end of electrically conductive member 62.This construction simplifies the assembly of the ozone generator. Inparticular, after ground electrode 12 and end caps 30 and 32 have beenconnected together, electrically conductive member 62 may be insertedinto opening 34. At that time, high voltage electrode (either togetherwith or subsequent to the insertion of dielectric element 16 intoposition in ozone generator 10) is inserted into position in ozonegenerator 10. As tail portion enters opening 34 in upstream end cap 32,resiliently biased portion 72 and hook portion 70 engage electricallyconductive member 62. The contact between hook portion 70 andelectrically conductive member 62 compresses resiliently biased portion72 radially inwardly. Further insertion of high voltage electrode 14into position in ozone generator 10 continues until hook portion travelspast the downstream portion of electrically conductive member 62. Atthis time, the compressive forces in resilient biased portion 72 causehook portion 70 to travel radially outwardly to the position shown inFIG. 3. Further, the compressive forces in resiliently biased portion 72maintain engagement between hook portion 70 and of electricallyconductive member 62 thus lockingly engaging high voltage electrode 14in position in dielectric element 16. It will be appreciated that byinsertion of an appropriate tool or otherwise, hook portion 70 may beforced radially inwardly so that high voltage electrode 14 may bewithdrawn from position in dielectric element 16 as may be required toservice or repair the unit.

During the operation of ozone generator 10, heat will be produced. Someof this heat may be dissipated by the passage of air through air flowpath 18. However, excess heat may build up. In such cases, a heat sinkmay be provided to prevent overheating of ozone generator 10. The heatsink may be provided in contact with electrically conductive member 62,(for example, as shown in FIG. 4), alternately, it may be provided incontact with ground electrode 12, (for example, as shown in FIG. 5), oralternately, the heat sink may be provided in contact with high voltageelectrode 14 (for example, as shown in FIG. 6).

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the heat sink may comprisea plurality of pin fins 78 which are positioned to extend radiallyoutwardly from outer surface 76 of electrically conductive member 62.Pin fins 78 may be air cooled or, alternately, liquid cooled as isgenerally known in the cooling art (not shown). If pin fins 78 areliquid cooled, then a housing would be mounted around pin fins 78 withat least one inlet port for cooling fluid and at least one outlet portfor heated fluid. Heat dissipation means would be provided in the fluidcircuit. In order to ensure that heat is dissipated from high voltageelectrode 14, electrical conduit 64 has sufficient thermal conductivityto conduct heat from high voltage electrode 14 to electricallyconductive member 62. This may be accomplished by having electricalconduit 64 of a higher gauge wire (e.g. 49).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the heat sink is provided on theexterior surface 74 of ground electrode 12. The heat sink may comprise aplurality of pin fins 78 which extend radially outwardly from outersurface 74 of ground electrode 12. Once again, these pin fins 78 may beair cooled or liquid cooled.

In a further alternate embodiment, high voltage electrode 14 may bedirectly cooled. For example, an outer dielectric element 80 may bepositioned spaced from dielectric element 16 defining cooling fluidconduit 82 which surrounds at least a portion of, and preferably all of,dielectric element 16. Cooling fluid may be fed to cooling fluid conduit82 by means of inlet conduit 84 in upstream end cap 32. The heatedcooling fluid may exit cooling fluid conduit 82 by means of outletconduit 86 in upstream end cap 32. Accordingly, heat produced by theoperation of ozone generator 10 may be directly dissipated bytransferring the heat from high voltage electrode 14 to a cooling fluidcirculating in cooling fluid conduit 82.

It will be appreciated that various modifications and alterations may bemade to the ozone generator and all of these modifications andalterations are within the scope of this invention.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for producing ozone from oxygen comprising:(a)a high voltage electrode having an upstream end and a downstream endconnectable to a current source; (b) a ground electrode spaced from thehigh voltage electrode and having an upstream end and a downstream end;(c) a dielectric element positioned between the high voltage electrodeand the ground electrode; (d) a passage for air flow positioned betweenthe dielectric element and the ground electrode; and, (e) a currentcollector positioned downstream of the high voltage electrode andcomprising an extension of the ground electrode.
 2. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the current collector is integrally formed aspart of the ground electrode.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein the current collector has a length which is at least ten timesthe transverse width of the air flow passage positioned between thedielectric element and the ground electrode.
 4. The apparatus as claimedin claim 1 wherein the dielectric element substantially encases the highvoltage electrode.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein thedielectric element encases all but the upstream end of the high voltageelectrode.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the dielectricelement is positioned adjacent the high voltage electrode to define adead air space therebetween.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein the ground electrode surrounds the dielectric element, the highvoltage electrode is positioned in the dielectric element andpositioning members are provided to maintain the high voltage electrodesubstantially centrally positioned within the ground electrode.
 8. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an upstream endmember and a downstream end member, wherein the ground electrode extendsbetween the end members and surrounding the dielectric element, the highvoltage electrode is positioned in the dielectric element andpositioning members associated with at least one of the end members areprovided to maintain the high voltage electrode substantially centrallypositioned within the ground electrode.
 9. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 8 wherein one of the positioning members is provided adjacent thedownstream end of the high voltage electrode and the beginning of thecurrent collector.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein theupstream end member has an air inlet and the downstream end member hasan air outlet such that the air may flow from the air inlet, through thepassage between the ground electrode and the dielectric element, throughthe current collector and through the air outlet.
 11. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 10 wherein the positioning members engage only aportion of the dielectric element to define a space between thepositioning members and the dielectric element for air flowtherethrough.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further comprisingan electrically conductive engagement member connectable to the currentsource, the high voltage electrode having a tail portion extendingoutwardly from the dielectric element and engageable with theelectrically conductive engagement member, the high voltage electrodeconnectable to the current source via the engagement of the electricallyconductive engagement member and the tail portion, the tail portion isdeformed by the engagement of the tail portion with the electricallyconductive engagement member.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12wherein the upstream end member has an air inlet and the electricallyconductive engagement member is positioned in the air inlet to define aelectrically conductive gas conduit.
 14. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 wherein an outer member is spaced from the dielectric element todefine a fluid flow path between the outer member and the dielectricelement through which a cooling fluid may flow.
 15. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 14 wherein the outer member comprises a seconddielectric element.
 16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising an electrically conductive engagement member connectable to acurrent source and a heat sink associated with the electricallyconductive engagement member, the high voltage electrode being thermallyand electrically connected to the electrically conductive engagementmember.
 17. An apparatus for producing ozone from oxygen comprising:(a)a dielectric element having an opening; (b) a high voltage electrodehaving a downstream end, at least a portion of the high voltageelectrode positioned in the opening of the dielectric element; (c) aground electrode spaced from the dielectric element and having anupstream end and a downstream end, and a passage for air flow extendsbetween the dielectric element and the ground electrode; (d) an upstreamsealing member having an air inlet and a downstream sealing memberhaving an air outlet, the sealing members and the ground electrodedefining a closed chamber, except for the air inlet and the air outlet,within which the high voltage electrode and the dielectric element arepositioned; and, (e) a current collector positioned downstream of thehigh voltage electrode and comprising an extension of the groundelectrode.
 18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 further comprisingan electrically conductive member connectable to a current source, theupstream sealing member has a recess therein for receiving theelectrically conductive member, the electrically conductive memberelectrically connecting the high voltage electrode to the currentsource.
 19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the recessextends through the upstream sealing member and is sized for allowingpassage of the high voltage electrode there through.
 20. The apparatusas claimed in claim 18 wherein the recess comprises an air inlet suchthat the air may flow from the air inlet, through the passage betweenthe ground electrode and the dielectric element.
 21. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 20 further comprising positioning members extendingbetween the upstream sealing member and the dielectric element toposition the upstream end of the dielectric element spaced from theground electrode, and openings extending from the air inlet to the airflow passage.
 22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein thepositioning members engage only a portion of the dielectric element todefine a space between the positioning members and the dielectricelement for air flow therethrough.
 23. The apparatus as claimed in claim17 wherein the downstream sealing member has an engagement member tosupport the current collector in position downstream of the high voltageelectrode.
 24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein the currentcollector is integrally formed as part of the ground electrode.
 25. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the ground electrode surroundsthe dielectric element, the high voltage electrode is positioned in thedielectric element and positioning members are provided to maintain thehigh voltage electrode substantially centrally positioned within theground electrode.
 26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein oneof the positioning members is provided adjacent the downstream end ofthe high voltage electrode and the beginning of the current collector.27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the high voltageelectrode is connected to the current source through the air inlet. 28.The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the air inlet defined by anair inlet member is electrically conductive.
 29. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 17 wherein each of the sealing members is integrallyformed.
 30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein the sealingmembers maintain the ground electrode in position and the upstreamsealing member supports the upstream end of the high voltage electrode.31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein the downstream sealingmember supports the downstream end of the high voltage electrode. 32.The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the current collector has alength which is at least ten times the transverse width of the air flowpassage.